Wintergreen Gaultheria procumbens Big Berry = 'Gaubi' (PBR)
ABOUT
The Gaultheria procumbens Big Berry, commonly known as American Wintergreen or 'Gaubi', is a low-growing plant with glossy, dark green leaves that offer year-round interest. During the spring and summer, its foliage serves as a beautiful backdrop to its delicate bell-shaped, white or pale pink flowers which dangle beneath the leaves. As the seasons change, 'Gaubi' is admired for its large, bright red berries that emerge after the flowers and persist through the winter, providing a striking contrast against the foliage and a food source for wildlife. The leathery leaves of 'Gaubi' are quite ornamental and are known to exhibit beautiful reddish tinges during the fall, further enhancing the visual appeal of this hardy ground cover. This American Wintergreen variety exudes a delightful minty fragrance when the leaves are crushed, offering sensory pleasure in addition to its visual splendor.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ericaceae.
Synonyms
Eastern Teaberry, American Wintergreen, Checkerberry, Boxberry.
Common names
Gaultheria procumbens.
ToxicityTo humans
Eastern teaberry, commonly known as checkerberry or wintergreen, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, consuming large amounts of the leaves or concentrated essential oils may lead to toxicity. Symptoms of ingesting too much could include ringing in the ears, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, stomach pain, and confusion. In large quantities, the methyl salicylate found in the plant, which is similar to aspirin, could be toxic, especially to individuals with sensitivities or allergies to aspirin.
To pets
Eastern teaberry, commonly known as checkerberry or wintergreen, can be toxic to pets if ingested in large quantities. The main toxic principle is the compound methyl salicylate, which can cause gastrointestinal irritation. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and in severe cases, symptoms related to aspirin overdose such as ulcers, bleeding disorders, and kidney failure may occur. It’s important to keep this plant out of reach and to contact a veterinarian if any ingestion is suspected.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
12 inches (30 cm)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Gaultheria procumbens adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its attractive berries and glossy green leaves.
- Low Maintenance: This plant is known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep once established.
- Ground Cover: Its low-growing habit makes it an excellent choice for ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and reduce soil erosion.
- Winter Interest: The plant's vivid red berries and evergreen foliage provide color and interest during the often bleak winter months.
- Wildlife Attraction: The berries of the Wintergreen attract birds and other wildlife, which can add life and natural activity to a garden.
- Tolerance to Shade: Wintergreen is well-suited for shaded areas where other plants might struggle to thrive.
- Culinary Use: The leaves and berries are sometimes used to flavor food and drinks, adding a unique minty taste.
- Fragrant Foliage: The leaves release a pleasant, minty fragrance when crushed, which can provide a sensory experience in the garden.
Medical Properties- Analgesic: The leaves of Gaultheria procumbens, commonly known as Wintergreen, contain methyl salicylate, which is known for its pain-relieving properties.
- Anti-inflammatory: Wintergreen is traditionally used to reduce inflammation, particularly for conditions like arthritis and rheumatism.
- Antispasmodic: The plant can provide relief from muscle spasms and cramps.
- Aromatic: The essential oil of wintergreen has a refreshing scent that is often used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and uplift mood.
- Topical application for joint and muscle pain: Wintergreen oil is sometimes used in topical creams and ointments to soothe joint and muscle pain.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Winterberry is sometimes utilized in terrariums or fairy gardens for its compact size and attractive berries, adding a touch of natural color and texture to miniature landscapes.
- The leaves of winterberry can be pressed and used in crafts such as handmade paper or botanical prints, capturing the plant's unique leaf patterns.
- During the winter months, the berries of the winterberry can serve as a natural food source for birds, especially when other food sources are scarce.
- Winterberry's dense and low-growing habit makes it a suitable choice for planting over spring bulbs to provide visual interest after the bulbs have finished blooming.
- With its evergreen foliage, winterberry can be used as a living mulch, serving to cover bare soil and inhibit weed growth.
- The aromatic leaves of winterberry can be harvested and added to potpourris, providing a subtle, forest-like fragrance to a room.
- Its vivid berries and evergreen leaves allow winterberry to be incorporated into seasonal wreath making and other holiday decorations for a festive look.
- Winterberry can be part of a sensory garden, providing textural contrast with its glossy leaves and smooth berries for a tactile experience.
- As an educational tool, winterberry can be used to teach children about plant life cycles and the importance of native species in local ecosystems.
- The winterberry plant can be a natural dye source; the berries may produce varied hues on textiles when used in traditional dyeing techniques.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiEastern Teaberry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityEastern Teaberry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Gaultheria procumbens, commonly known as Eastern Teaberry or American Wintergreen, is often associated with protection due to its evergreen nature, symbolizing resilience and a shield against negative forces.
- Healing: The plant is renowned for its medicinal properties, especially its pain-relieving abilities derived from the compound methyl salicylate. Thus, it represents healing and relief.
- Rejuvenation: The bright red berries and the refreshing scent of its crushed leaves are symbolic of rejuvenation and new beginnings.
- Good Fortune: In some traditions, berries symbolize good fortune and abundance, and the plentiful berries of the Eastern Teaberry might be interpreted as a sign of prosperity.
- Purity: The pure, white flowers of this plant can symbolize innocence and cleanliness, echoing the plant’s clean, crisp scent.
WaterEastern Teaberry requires consistent moisture to thrive, so it should be watered regularly, but with caution to avoid waterlogging. It's best to water the plant deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically amounts to once or twice a week, depending on the environment's humidity and temperature. Providing about one gallon of water every week during the growing season should be sufficient, but always adjust based on rainfall and temperature changes. During the winter, reduce watering frequency as the plant's growth slows down.
LightEastern Teaberry thrives in partial to full shade, making it an ideal plant for understory conditions or north-facing gardens. The best spot for this plant is where it receives filtered sunlight or a few hours of morning sun followed by shade for the rest of the day. Avoid placing it in areas with prolonged direct afternoon sun, as this can cause stress to the plant.
TemperatureEastern Teaberry prefers cooler temperatures and is hardy in a range of climatic conditions. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60°F to 70°F, and it can tolerate minimum temperatures down to about -20°F. It is important to note that extreme heat, particularly temperatures over 80°F, can negatively affect the health of the Eastern Teaberry.
PruningEastern Teaberry benefits from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Lightly prune the plant after it has finished fruiting or in early spring before new growth emerges. Pruning involves removing dead or damaged branches and trimming back leggy stems. Typically, pruning this plant once a year is sufficient, and it's also a good time to remove any leaf debris that accumulates within the foliage.
CleaningNot needed
SoilEastern Teaberry requires an acidic soil mix with a pH of 4.5 to 6. Optimal soil would include a blend of peat moss, perlite, and organic matter to ensure good drainage and aeration while retaining moisture.
RepottingEastern Teaberry should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth, preferably in the spring just before new growth starts.
Humidity & MistingEastern Teaberry thrives best in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50-70% to mimic its natural woodland habitat.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Partial shade, moist acidic soil, protect from harsh sun.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleGaultheria procumbens, commonly known as Wintergreen or Eastern Teaberry, begins its life cycle as a seed, which after stratification germinates in moist, acidic soil, typically in spring. The sprouting seedling will develop into a low-growing evergreen shrub, displaying its glossy green leaves throughout the year. During early to mid-summer, Wintergreen produces bell-shaped white or pale pink flowers beneath the foliage, which eventually give way to the formation of bright red berries, the 'Big Berry' variety being notable for its larger fruit size. The plant spreads primarily by rhizomes, forming a dense ground cover over time. As a perennial, Wintergreen experiences dormancy in the cold winter months, though it retains its leaves, and will return to active growth with the onset of warmer spring temperatures. Throughout its lifecycle, it thrives in shady conditions and requires minimal maintenance once established in the appropriate habitat.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
Propogation: Gaultheria procumbens Big Berry, commonly known as Eastern Teaberry, typically propagates by softwood cuttings during late spring to early summer, when new growth is tender yet mature enough to handle cutting. The most popular method involves selecting healthy, non-flowering stems and cutting them to lengths of about 3 to 5 inches (approximately 7.5 to 12.5 centimeters). Each cutting should have several leaf nodes, as roots will form from these areas. The base of the cutting is dipped in a rooting hormone to increase the chance of successful root development and then planted in a mix of peat and perlite to provide the right balance of moisture and aeration. The cuttings are kept in a warm, humid environment, often with the help of a plastic cover to maintain humidity, until roots develop, which generally takes several weeks. It is important to maintain consistent moisture during this period without overwatering to avoid rot.
